Kōtui: School & Policy Updates - Term 2 Issue 2 2025 (NZCEO)

TĒNĀ KOUTOU KATOA: Editorial by Dr Kevin Shore, CEO

Kia ora koutou

It feels like we are well into the depths of winter here in Wellington. I have now lived in Wellington for five years and this year it appears to me that we have had more significant weather events than previously that have impacted on the airport leading to the frustrations of postponed and cancelled flights. Certainly, the entertainment factor for passengers arriving into Wellington airport has been right up there with many just pleased to feel the wheels of the plane on the tarmac. Many travelers into Wellington have experienced the dreaded “go around again for a second try” but we are lucky to have such a skilled and professional group of pilots who serve our airlines and ensure our safety.  I am sure they appreciate some of the spontaneous applause that sometimes follows a tricky flight and landing in ‘Wellywood’.

Budget 2025/26

I had the pleasure of attending the recent education budget announcement event with Minister Stanford. In my previous life as a school leader, I had significant involvement in managing and leading learning support facilities. Our principals and school staff have been advocating for more resources to meet the increasing needs of students for decades and to see the Crown and the Minister allocate such significant funding for our students with the most needs was quite moving. The responses of gratitude in the audience and even a few tears highlighted how much this meant. We now have a real opportunity to make a significant shift to enable schools to not only meet the needs of these students but all ākonga in our schools. The funding is the first important keystone but the operational delivery will be the second and many of those details will need to be worked out including those immediate challenges with workforce. That said, I commend Minister Stanford for listening and acting on the advocacy of the sector.

Those who operate in secondary schools will be a little disappointed that the focus of this funding is on primary schools but you may be encouraged that in the words of the Minister Budget 2026/27 will have a more secondary focus. I believe that a focus on the early years is important if we are to raise levels of achievement but the Minister does acknowledge the need to support those who have high levels of need and are in their later stages of education.

One of my colleagues in the Education Review Office has indicated that the structured literacy programmes that are already established in some of our primary schools are making a positive difference. Significant investment is being made by the government in reading, writing and numeracy and that has continued in this budget. As someone who is an advocate for equity in education, I know the importance of literacy and numeracy in the wider success of students at school and in life. However, our teachers will need support and I hope that the required professional development promised by the Minister will be delivered and that it meets the needs of our teaching staff.

There were some disappointments in the budget in addition to the comment I have made about secondary schools including operational funding for our school boards which has only increased by 1.5% which is well below inflation.  However, overall the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS) views the budget positively and hopes that the funds provided will make a meaningful difference in terms of student outcomes and school effectiveness.

Insurance

APIS recently sent out a communique to proprietors on the insurance of state integrated school property. Insurance has its own particular language and concepts which can be quite technical so this communique was not shared across all stakeholders. In summary, however, APIS has worked with the Ministry of Education (MoE) to clarify what property insurance tools can be used by proprietors in negotiating property insurance. The insurance requirements within Schedule 6 of the Education & Training Act (2020) were negotiated fifty years ago and they no longer represent how insurance would be purchased and what insurance tools are commonly used in the current environment. As a result, APIS has clarified these issues for proprietors so that they can confidently use the insurance tools that are available to manage the costs of insurance premiums.

It is also worth noting that for 2025, there is some downward movement on the underlying cost of securing property insurance cover. It is pleasing to see that market forces have led to the first sign of reducing premiums seen for many years and that will be welcomed by proprietors.

Maximum Roll Increase Applications

I have had several recent conversations with stakeholders regarding the Maximum Roll Increase (MRI) application process. As a result of these conversations, APIS will endeavour to develop a schematic that helps to explain a process that can seem somewhat mysterious to stakeholders. The MoE has in legislation the right and responsibility to manage the state network of schools including state integrated schools. The support by the MoE of the MRI application will ultimately come down to their view (based on analysis of the network and  consultation with local schools) whether granting an MRI will negatively impact on the surrounding state and state integrated schools. Where they view growth of a state integrated school as supporting education provision in the local area without negative impact on the surrounding state and state integrated schools, the decision is likely to be favourable for the proprietor. One pattern that APIS has noted recently under Minister Stanford’s watch is that decisions on MRI applications are being made more quickly often in approximately six months as opposed to fifteen months or more as had been the case. APIS views this as a positive development.

Relationship with the Minister

APIS will be meeting with Minister Stanford on the 17^ July. We have placed on the agenda for discussion with the Minister Policy Two funding, use of surplus school board funds for property development, investigating mechanisms for supporting the training of special character teachers and protecting special character within the process of curriculum change and reform. APIS will also raise one or two issues on behalf of individual proprietors.

I would emphasise to proprietors that APIS is your organisation and is the body through which you should first communicate with if you have issues you want to raise with the Minister.  Minister Stanford has been very clear that she expects proprietors to raise concerns and negotiate with her through APIS so please ensure you contact our office before entering any dialogue or communication with the Minister. One of the main responsibilities that APIS has is the management of the relationship for state integrated schools with the Minister. This relationship is crucial and as has happened in the past can be easily diminished if proprietors and stakeholders communicate directly with the Minister.

Mānawatia a Matariki

APIS hopes our stakeholders enjoyed the opportunity to stop and reflect on the occasion of Matariki.  It is a time to remember those we have lost in the last twelve months and to appreciate what we have and what we might hope for in the next twelve months. Staff here at APIS enjoyed the opportunity for time with family, to share food and to enjoy the stories that are often shared at these times. Manawatia a Matariki!

Finally

Thank you for what you all continue to do in support of state integrated education. We are all working within a significant change agenda in education and that comes with its stresses, challenges and hopefully some successes along the way. The work you do is appreciated and valued.

Best wishes and every blessing to you all. At a time of significant unrest in our world I end this communique with a desire for peace to reign.

Kia tau te rangimārie ki a koutou.

Kevin Shore, Chief Executive Officer

Being Church in Aotearoa New Zealand Catholic Schools

Being Church in Aotearoa New Zealand Catholic Schools is a new support document published by NZCEO and NCRS (National Centre for Religious Studies) to reemphasis the place of Catholic schools in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The document, with clear language and grounded concepts, contextualizes and links several key Catholic education documents on the Aotearoa Catholic education landscape – The Catholic Education of School-Age Children (NZCBC, 2014), Catholic Special Character Evaluation for Development (2022) and Tō Tatou Whakapono Our Faith (NCRS, 2021).

The purpose of Being Church in Aotearoa New Zealand Catholic Schools is to facilitate rich dialogue of how Catholic school communities can realise their place in the mission of the Church, and make clear connections between Catholic special character, Religious Education, and the current Aotearoa New Zealand context. Furthermore, its intention is to expand and support practical application of The Catholic Education of School-Age Children (New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, 2014). The QR code on the page 24 will give access to support material for engaging with the document. These resources will be added to over time.

Catholic Schools Day 2025

On Wednesday 28 May we celebrated Catholic Schools Day 2025! This was an opportunity to showcase who we are to our communities. The theme of Catholic Schools Day 2025 was Shine like stars in the world: E tīaho ana koe hei rama i te ao.

Thank you to all those schools who have shared photos, videos and stories of how you celebrated Catholic Schools Day 2025! We are delighted to share a few of the photos and videos we have seen here.

At St Mary's Catholic School, Ellerslie,  Room 16 - the new entrant class celebrated Catholic Schools Day by creating a tree of hope. Their thoughts of hope and kindness are beautifully expressed in their collage.

St Francis Xavier School in Dunedin collected items for those who need it most, along with all their Dunedin Catholic Kāhui Ako schools. 

St Kevin’s College and St Joseph's Primary School in Ōamaru joined together with shared breakfasts and lunch to celebrate their shared faith, values, and the strong bond between their schools!

St Mary's Catholic School in Tauranga celebrated Catholic Schools Day with a special Liturgy, sharing the message of "Shine like stars in the world. E tīaho ana koe hei rama i te ao." "It was lovely to see the pride and joy of our children as they engaged in creative activities around the theme of kindness and joy".

Hope and Renewal Summit | 3–4 Oct 2025, Palmerston North

From the Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North

You’re standing at the intersection of education and faith — and it’s not easy.

In a world where belief is often questioned and faith can feel fragile, Catholic educators play a vital role — not just in teaching, but in shaping meaning, hope, and identity for the next generation.

The Hope and Renewal Summit is a national gathering for those who want to lead with purpose, even in the midst of uncertainty. It’s for educators and leaders who are ready to reimagine their roles and impact — and who are seeking honest conversations, fresh vision, and practical tools to navigate the challenges of Catholic leadership today.

Together, we’ll explore how we can be more authentic, hope-filled, and relevant in the way we share the Gospel — especially in our schools and wider communities.

Featuring Fr James Mallon (Founder of Divine Renovation), Bishop John Adams, and other inspiring voices, the Summit offers a space to reconnect, reflect, and reimagine the future of our Church.

Standard: $280

For more information and to register click below: 

Laudato Si’ remains highly relevant, 10 years on

From the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference (NZCBC)

A decade on from the publication of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical, Laudato Si’, two Catholic leaders are reminding New Zealanders of the relevance of the Pope’s message and the ongoing urgency of the environmental crisis it addresses.

Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home, was published on June 18, 2015, two years into Pope Francis’ 12-year pontificate. In this letter written to all people, the Pope pleads for everyone to listen to the cries of “our Sister, Mother Earth”, the earthly home on whom so much harm has been inflicted.

In a reflection published by Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand and the Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics – Te Kupenga, it is noted that while he wasn’t necessarily the first to make many of the key points in the encyclical, “we owe much to Pope Francis for bringing this conviction to the forefront of our ethics and spirituality”.

“In so doing, he has now placed this teaching firmly within the body of our Church’s social teaching, effectively adding to that teaching,” says Mena Antonio of Caritas and the Nathaniel Centre’s John Kleinsman.

The authors highlight Pope Francis’ invitation to an “integral ecology”, one which recognises “a relationship existing between nature and the society which lives in it”.

They say this understanding, and the recognition that there is a complex crisis that is both environmental and social, “requires a cooperative, communal and intergenerational approach towards the earth and its resources”.

Almost 20 years ago, New Zealand’s bishops observed the challenges that were present and emerging.

“Our world is facing an ecological crisis, which could equally be called an economic crisis, or a poverty crisis. Its public face is the suffering of the poor and the degradation of our environment,” they wrote in 2006, almost anticipating the development of Pope Francis notion of integral ecology.

Ms Antonio and Dr Kleinsman note that suffering and that degradation continues – in New Zealand, but often more acutely in the country’s neighbours in the Pacific.

“As Laudato Si’ observes, an ‘ecological debt’ exists that is ‘connected to commercial imbalances’ between the global North and global South and intrinsically connected to richer countries’ long-term ‘disproportionate use of natural resources’,” they write.

Ms Antonio and Dr Kleinsman explain that a Caritas campaign to cancel unjust debts of poorer nations, like those near New Zealand, would provide much-needed financial relief that would allow them to better address climate emergencies.

This initiative is part of helping the world avoid what Pope Francis warned of – the Earth “beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth”.

Referencing the Prayer for our Earth at the conclusion of Laudato Si, the reflection concludes by emphasising the importance of discovering the worth of each thing through an awareness that everyone is profoundly united with every creature, all on a journey to eternal life.

“Not only do we all belong together within a common home, according to Francis, we are also fellow travellers towards a common destination in God,” the authors write. 

“It is therefore in caring for other creatures, and for the earth itself, Laudato Si’ teaches, that we are called to be, in a fundamental sense, homeward bound.”

The reflection can be accessed here: 

Caritas Updates

A huge thank you to all our wonderful schools across Aotearoa who continue to support the work of Caritas.

Many schools have already taken up the Caritas Challenge, showcasing both creativity and commitment to living out the event slogan – one day of difference for a lifetime of change. If your school hasn’t yet registered for 2025, you can find out more on our website. 

Schools have organised other awareness and fundraising events, including activities during Lent and fun non-uniform days. These expressions of love and compassion go a long way in supporting the work of Caritas.   

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to join our CANZ Education Facebook group to stay up to date and see how schools are actively fostering social justice, faith and hope in their communities. Join here: CANZ Education

YCC Day for St Leo’s – Friday, 27 June

All Catholic schools across Aotearoa are invited to stand in solidarity with St Leo’s Secondary School in Kiribati through YCC Day at the end of Term 2.

This is a great opportunity to hold a fun non-uniform day in return for a gold coin donation. Funds raised will help build permanent classrooms to help students in their learning.   

A range of resources are available online for students and teachers to use before or after the event. Remember schools are welcome to hold their YCC Day at a time that suits them best, not just on the last day of term 2. 

Let’s show that Young Catholics Care, and that You + Caritas Combined can bring hope and change to our friends in Kiribati.  

Social Justice Week 2025 - Resources Now Online! 

We’re excited to announce that the Caritas school resources for Social Justice Week (which runs from September 7-13) are now available online, with hard copy packs arriving in schools soon.

As we enter the final year of our peace-focused journey, Social Justice Week 2025 invites students and schools to explore practical ways to build peace together - inspired by faith, action, and community.

This year the resources include: background notes for teachers, a liturgy, a new brick for 2025 to add to the existing poster, peacebuilding blueprints that have been designed as daily lessons for students, a special Pilgrims of Hope Peace Passport for students to record their learning and goals, stickers (to add to the pages in the passport), and relevant videos that connect to the blueprints/lessons.

Schools can get in touch with us at education@caritas.org.nz if they need any additional resources or support.

Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants

At the end of this week (June 22) it is the Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants. This is a time when we remember some of the most vulnerable people on our planet and come together in prayer.

This year we are focusing on Migrants as Missionaries of Hope. Migrants and refugees often leave behind everything they know, carrying with them hope for a safer, brighter future. Let us reflect and pray for those who are displaced due to war, poverty, or persecution - and recognise how they continue to inspire hope in others.

We’ve created a short prayer resource that schools can use in the lead-up to Sunday June 22. It includes Pope Francis’ prayer for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees and can be adapted to suit your school community. 

Download it from our website here and use it in your prayer space or classrooms this week.  

Competitions Closing in Term 3

There is still plenty of time for students to show off their talents in our two justice-centered competitions, SINGout4JUSTICE and Kaitiaki2Share. The last day for entries is August 13 and 27 respectively.

Get in Touch

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on our Lenten resources. If you haven’t had a chance yet, we’d still love to hear from you. Complete the short survey here.

For resource orders or queries contact the team at michaels@caritas.org.nz or justine@caritas.org.nz  

Semester 2 at Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College

AIS NZ Conference 2025

The Association of Integrated Schools (AIS) is holding its annual conference on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 September 2025 at the Brentwood Hotel in Wellington. The AIS conference in 2024 was very well attended by representatives of state integrated schools including our Catholic sector and I would encourage you all to join with us in celebrating our state integrated schools.

Independent Schools NZ Teacher Symposium 2025

From Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ)

ISNZ is running a Teacher Symposium in Auckland on the first two days of the July school holidays. We would love to have teachers from state integrated schools. 

Teachers, we are delighted to invite you to attend the inaugural ISNZ Teacher Symposium!

30 June – 1 July 2025 | Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland | Members $245 | Non-members $295 |Trainee Teachers $120

By teachers, for teachers, this two-day gathering is an exciting opportunity to network, collaborate, and connect with passionate professionals from schools nationwide. The symposium has been developed to give teachers the space to share innovative practices, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in a meaningful, practical way. It has been shaped by a dedicated planning committee, with representatives from independent schools across the country. Together, they’ve crafted a rich, engaging programme that offers valuable professional learning in a collegial, supportive environment.

From Generation Resilient to Surviving AI,  and Concept-Based Learning to Imbuing Cultural Narrative, the symposium provides interest for all attendees. 

We will also hear from external keynote speakers including:

Vince Ford, ‘Connection before Curriculum’

Do you remember the teacher that truly saw you, that recognised your potential and made you want to turn up and be the best you could be? How much did they influence your life? In this keynote we dig into the neuroscience of connection, examine the ways we connect and discover the secret to engaging with students and staff in a way that builds lasting bonds of trust.

Annabelle March, ‘Neurodiversity in the Classroom: A Lived Experience and Practical Approaches for Educators’.

This session draws Annabelle’s experiences as a neurodivergent student - diagnosed later in life with ADHD and Autism - to highlight how classroom environments and teacher practices can shape the educational experiences of neurodivergent learners. The focus will be on creating classroom environments where these learners can participate, learn, and thrive without needing to constantly adapt or mask who they are.

David Ferguson, ‘How did that happen? A story about teacher, a curious series of events and staying true to your values’

Prior to taking on the CEO role at The Teachers Institute, David was Headmaster of Westlake Boys’ High School for 15 years. He was also instrumental in launching the Auckland Schools Teachers Training Programme in 2020. We look forward to hearing David’s thoughts, ideas and passion for the teaching profession.

Whether you're presenting or attending, you'll gain fresh insights, practical strategies, and renewed energy for your teaching journey.

“The For-Teachers-By-Teachers Symposium is a unique opportunity for educators to share, learn, and grow alongside colleagues from across the independent school sector. I am excited to send my staff to engage with other passionate professionals, exchange best practices, and build meaningful connections. This symposium fosters collaboration, innovation, and inspiration—don’t miss this chance to be both challenged and empowered in your teaching journey!” Peter Cassie, Principal of Saint Kentigern Boys’ School.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Teamturf—Proud Sponsor of NZCEO & the Preferred Turf Specialists for Catholic Schools Nationwide

Trusted by Catholic Schools Nationwide

Teamturf is proud to be the preferred artificial turf partner for Catholic schools across New Zealand. As a dedicated NZCEO sponsor, we’re committed to creating safe, vibrant outdoor spaces where students can thrive—on the field, playground, or court.

Whether it's for sports courts, cricket facilities, landscaping, or play areas, our high-quality turf solutions are designed to perform and built to last.

🎉 Book a Consultation & Win!

Schedule a consultation with Teamturf or any of our nationwide agents, and your school will be automatically entered to win a $500 sports equipment voucher and a bag of sports balls—giving your students even more ways to play and excel.

Why Choose Teamturf?

✅ NZCEO-endorsed sponsor – Trusted by Catholic schools throughout NZ

✅ Nationwide Service – No matter your location, we’re ready to help

✅ Tailored Designs – Custom turf solutions using coloured turf and Signgrass® to reflect your school’s unique spirit

How to Enter the Draw

Book a free consultation before August 31 for a confirmed project and you're in the draw!

👉 Schedule your consultation here

Below: Turf installation at St Patrick's Catholic School, Taumarunui

School security case study from Gallagher Security

Following the devastating impacts of the Christchurch earthquakes, Shirley Boys’ High School and Avonside Girls’ High School suffered irreparable damage and were forced to look for new locations. As part of the rebuild, the two secondary schools now share a state-of-the-art new “super campus,” a 11.5 hectare (28.4 acre) site that caters for 2,500 students and 500 staff and includes a performing arts centre with two theatres, four sports fields, three indoor gymnasiums, a library, café, and fully equipped commercial teaching kitchen. But with new facilities came new challenges for site management, protection of assets, and student safety. “There’s been a huge investment in the facilities and equipment for these high schools,” says Bharti Uppal, Operations Manager for Spotless Group, the school’s facility management team, who was tasked with finding a security system that both fit the schools’ needs and budget. “I have used various security solutions for educational facilities, and the Gallagher system is by far the best on the market in my opinion,” he says. “What you get from Gallagher, you don’t get elsewhere – it’s highly-customizable, cost-viable, and durable. When you invest, once, in a good quality security system, you don’t have to consider spending again.” Read more about how Gallagher Security is empowering Shirley Boys’ and Avonside Girls’ to grow their campus and young minds by clicking on the link for the full case study below: